Bangkok: The government is advancing efforts to reclaim Nui Beach by demolishing 11 structures that have encroached upon the forest, aiming to return the forest and beach land to the public. This initiative is part of the "Phuket Model" policy, designed to regulate land use and employ legal measures against those encroaching on national forest reserves.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, the government plans decisive actions to enforce the law for reclaiming forest and state land. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has been directed to fully prosecute individuals and entities encroaching on these lands, ensuring that reclaimed areas benefit the public and preserve natural resources for future generations of Thais.
Ms. Ploytalay reported that Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, in collaboration with various agencies, initiated an operation to reclaim "Nui Beach" located in Karon Subdistrict, Phuket City, Phuket Province. The operation seeks to dismantle 11 structures found to have encroached on the Nakornkird Mountain Range National Forest Reserve. This followed the discovery of deforestation and land clearing for tourism, which adversely affected the natural environment and public beach access.
She added that the operation involves enforcing the law on 11 structures seized in 2026, which are beyond the appeal period, allowing demolition under the National Forest Reserve Act B.E. 2507 (1964) and its amendments. Approximately 15 rai of national forest reserve area at Hat Nui has been affected by encroachment. Meanwhile, 39 other structures seized in 2020 and 2024 remain under review by the Administrative Court, with the Department of Forestry expediting necessary legal proceedings.
'The government is committed to enforcing the law, ensuring everyone is subject to the same laws regardless of influence or business group, because natural resources are the property of all Thais, not just one individual. We are committed to continuously reclaiming all state land without discrimination, and no one is above the law,' Ms. Ploytalay emphasized.